Pacquiao wants to stay active and keep in shape for potential future bouts. Recently, he fought in exhibitions with varied results—a three-round draw against Rukiya Anpo and a world title majority draw with Mario Barrios. Meanwhile, his opponent Provodnikov has not boxed professionally since he retired in 2016. His career highlights include capturing the WBO light welterweight title after beating Mike Alvarado. Since hanging up his gloves, Provodnikov made a surprising shift to focus on a political career.
Despite seeking an officially sanctioned fight, Pacquiao aims to remain prepared through this exhibition avenue. Organizers set it up so he could be ready for something bigger later in the year. As Pacquiao himself says, staying sharp now means he's primed for what's next down the line.
Provodnikov’s return to the ring piques interest because boxing once served as his main arena before politics called him away. Watchers wonder how he'll fare against one of boxing's greatest even within these lighter regulations.
Perhaps by maintaining consistency through matches like his upcoming encounter with Provodnikov, Pacquiao hopes when that bell rings down the road upon newfound matches—he’ll already be comfortable and ready.